Eduardo Perez spent 13 seasons in playing in Major League baseball, over two seasons as a coach for both the Marlins and Astros, several appearances as a coach in Winter Leagues, and a stint managing Team Colombia in the World Baseball Classic.

He has won the 2008 Manager of the Year Award in the Puerto Rico Baseball League. He has served as a analyst with ESPN for 12 seasons, between Baseball Tonight, NCAA Baseball, and ESPN Deportes.

Perez was a finalist for the Mets’ managerial vacancy this off season before losing out to Carlos Beltran. He was also reported to be a candidate for the Astros vacancy following the firing of AJ Hinch. Perez is known as a forward thinking baseball mind, a very positive role model for players, very adaptable, and a strong personality. Perez is bilingual, and his history of experience both as a member of the media and as a manager made him a very attractive managerial candidate.

I was able to speak with Perez recently about the state of baseball, his interesting off-season, Yoenis Cespedes, Alex Cora, Carlos Beltran, and much more.

MMO: What are your thoughts on the Astros’ sign stealing scandal?

Perez: It’s unfortunate. The distraction that it has created upon the 2020 season, not just for the players but for the media as well, is sad in my point of view. We have so many unbelievable players and so many teams that are ready to compete, and all we hear is about the scandal.

MMO: How do you think MLB has handled the situation?

Perez: I actually believe MLB handles it the best that they could. They wanted to get the truth of what was going on, and they had to pay a price for the truth. This price was giving the players immunity.

MMO: As a former Astros coach, how surprising was the news of the scandal?

Perez: I was surprised on how far players and coaches, as well as front office personnel would go to cheat the system.

MMO: Alex Cora is a former colleague of yours. What was your reaction to the news that he was involved in sign stealing both with the Astros and Red Sox.

Perez: News as to whether or not Alex and the Red Sox being involved in sign stealing has yet to come out. But hearing that Alex and Carlos Beltran were involved and have lost their managerial positions because of their involvement saddens me as a fellow Puerto Rican. I know the passion that both of them have for the game.

MMO: Did the Mets reach out to you following the dismissal of Carlos Beltran?

Perez: No.

MMO: How serious of interest was there from the Astros following AJ Hinch’s dismissal, assuming the reports of interest were correct?

Perez: Very serious interest. I traveled to Houston and did a full day worth of interviews with the Astros.

MMO: What interactions have you had with Luis Rojas in the past, if any?

Perez: not much. I’ve heard many great things about him, and have recently spoken to his brother, Jose, who says that Luis was born to do this. I wish him the best.

MMO: What are your expectations for Yoenis Cespedes this season?

Perez: It all depends on his health. If he is healthy, I believe he can do anything he sets his mind to.

MMO: What do you make of Yoenis Cespedes’ decision to not talk to the media this upcoming season?

Perez: it’s unfortunate, at the end of the day, what has happened to Yoenis is all because of his own doing. Being a member of the media and understanding how it works, I believe he is missing out on an opportunity to connect with his fans.

MMO: After signing a new deal with ESPN a few months back, how open are you to managing in the majors within the next few seasons?

Perez: No comment. 😉

MMO: How do you think this upcoming season will differ from ones of the past, with the cloud of the Astros’ and Red Sox’s scandals hanging overhead?

Perez: it’s already different, Chris Young has already been appointed by MLB to make sure that pitchers won’t be throwing intentionally to the hitters. THAT is different.

MMO: Thank you for your time!

You can follow Eduardo on Twitter @PerezED